MACRO PULSE
2026 Outlook: Charting the Year Ahead
As investors look to 2026, markets are defined by tension. Our Global Market Strategy team shares their outlook.
From the Global Market Strategy Team: How a U.S. government shutdown hits the strategist desk Get Our Insights >
Smart insights drive stronger portfolios
We leverage proprietary research and collaborate with investment teams across New York Life Investments to offer timely answers to the questions facing investors today in key areas:
Chart of the Week: Extending the Cycle: Growth and Opportunity in Private Markets
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 15, 2026
Private markets entered 2026 on firmer footing, with deal activity rebounding alongside a more supportive rate environment. We recently published our semi-annual private markets outlook. The report explores the macroeconomic conditions shaping private markets and offers our key takeaways for investors on private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets.
Read Macro Pulse Report: Dog Days, Data Shifts
Thoughts from the Road
Markets are moving fast in 2026, and investor sentiment is shifting with them. In this episode of Market Matters, Julia Hermann and Sarah Hirsch share insights from their recent travels, highlighting how rising volatility, geopolitical headlines, and the next phase of AI are shaping investor thinking. They also discuss what this means for diversification and portfolio positioning.
Extending the Cycle: Growth and Opportunity in Private Markets
Private markets remain a core and growing component of multi-asset portfolios. We expect a constructive year ahead, with opportunity increasingly defined by selectivity, diversification, and transition-oriented exposure.
Thoughts from the Road
Extending the Cycle: Growth and Opportunity in Private Markets
2025 | Trust or Bust: The Next Era of Global Debt Sustainability
The choices governments make will shape long-term capital markets assumptions around inflation, interest rates, and potential growth; and will influence asset allocation.
A global debt sustainability framework:
Private Markets
Navigate the next phase of global private markets
Key investor questions:
- How does an extended but maturing private markets cycle change where investors should be selective across private equity, private credit, real estate, and real assets?
- Where are the most compelling opportunities as policy support, easing financial conditions, and elevated long-term rates reshape valuations, deal activity, and underwriting discipline?
- How are global transitions such as AI, digitization, electrification, and supply chain reconfiguration creating long-term, capital-intensive opportunities across private markets?
Prospective investors should be aware that investments in private funds or alternative investment strategies are suitable only for qualified investors who do not require liquidity and who can bear the economic risk, including the potential for a complete loss, of their investment. Investors are encouraged to consult their tax or legal advisors before making such investments.
Video: Private Markets Outlook - Extending the Cycle
About Global Market Strategy
Our team of market strategists connects macroeconomics to asset allocation. We provide actionable insight into market-driving events, structural themes, and portfolio construction to empower investment decision-making.
Lauren Goodwin, CFA
Chief Market Strategist
Julia Hermann, CFA
Global Market Strategist
Michael LoGalbo, CFA
Global Market Strategist
Sarah Hirsch
Global Market Strategist
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